Mercy Evening in South-west London
On 21 March 2023, the newly-created Evangelisation team at Holy Ghost, Balham, held a wonderful Mercy Evening for their parishioners and some very welcome visitors from other parishes.
Around one hundred and twenty adults and children (primary and secondary school age) gathered in the candle-lit church for prayer, music and the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Easter. So popular was the format that the parish is seeking to make this a regular feature, every two months or so. For those of you who would like to do something similar, the kind Evangelisation team have outlined the structure and elements below:
Structure of the Mercy Evening
Church was lit by candle light. There was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for an hour. During that time there was a short testimony on God’s mercy, an opportunity to write a prayer intention and place it in front of the Blessed Sacrament and collect a Scripture passage in return. There were short reflections read (by Isabel!), interspersed with music and times of silent prayer. Confessions were available throughout the evening (and lots of people went). Afterwards, there was a time for social gathering with light refreshments.
Comments
“Enjoyed the atmosphere”
“Beautiful and prayerful”
“A real success”
Some people came with their children and others said they would bring their children next time. Visitors said that they wished they could have a similar evening in their parish!
Re the Mercy evening, it is an event where the whole setting (candle, music, words and exhortation...) is aimed at allowing our heart to be open to the work of the Lord, it is an event where all our senses are invited to a profound encounter with the Lord, with his mercy. Praise the Lord!😇🙏
Wow, I have been a parishioner at Holy Ghost for 20 years. Dawned on me that this is the first time I remember so many people – OF ALL AGES – at Adoration in the parish – what a blessing, I am sure great fruits will come from these events! AND all because our parish priest said ‘YES’ to Some Definite Service and appointed his Parish Leads!
Want to get involved?
This is the kind of initiative we hope to see appear across the diocese as a result of Some Definite Service and to see the experience and wisdom shared across the volunteer missionary network. If you would like assistance in planning such an event please get in touch aec@rcaos.org.uk. If you would like to join the network of volunteers, here’s how: Parish Leads are appointed by the Parish Priest so get in touch with him / Deanery Mentors are commissioned by the Archbishop after discernment through the Agency, visit the website for more details.